On March 21 at 10 a.m., the Wilmington Tree Commission (WTC) will hold a celebration for NC Arbor Day at Pine Valley Elementary School, located at 440 John S. Mosby Drive. WTC members will plant a large, donated tree at the school.

Mayor Bill Saffo will be on hand and Pine Valley Elementary students will showcase artwork, poetry and a song to celebrate the trees of Wilmington. The event will help kick off National Arbor month in April.

Wilmington was recently named Tree City USA for the 11th consecutive year and has now received the prestigious Tree City USA Growth Award for 10 years. To become a Tree City USA, a community must have a tree board or department, a tree care ordinance, a comprehensive community forestry program and an Arbor Day observance. The growth award recognizes environmental improvement and higher levels of tree care.

The Wilmington Tree Commission is also seeking nominations for a heritage tree. Heritage trees are those, which because of their size, age, rarity, overall beauty, landmark or historical significance represent an important aspect of the city's history or natural landscape. The deadline for Heritage Trees nominations is April 30, 2014.